Demi-Lune Card Table

This Maryland table precedes the more ornately inlayed tables of the early 1800’s. appealing proportions and details such as the molding under the edge of the table top applied to the skirt and concave edges of table top and leaf. This creates a subtle flow in appearance characteristic of more sophisticated Maryland card tables. Additionally, molding around bottom of the skirt gives this piece distinctive architectural presence. The legs finely taper into spade feet complete the design. While most attributes of this table point to a Maryland origin, the Museum of Early Southern Decorative Arts recorded a similar table (S- 5012) which its field research team attributed to tidewater Virginia. Trade along the Chesapeake Bay allowed fashion and design to move quickly via river ports often making precise attribution difficult. This table has a history in a family from Baltimore.

Construction: the top is secured to the frame with screws driven through wells in the front, side, and inner rails and the original blocking at each corner. The double posterior gate legs and back frame with exposed dovetails attached to side frame are characteristic of Maryland construction as are the secondary woods.

Condition: Condition is consistent with age and use. The table was refinished, probably in the twentieth century and there are the usual minor shrinkage cracks in the veneers.